HK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
THE Outfitter You Want to Trek Kilimanjaro With
I'm a solo female traveler from Hong Kong. It's been a month since I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro with Everlasting in March, and I still keep reminiscing about this beautiful experience.
I'm a college student and the trekking was a spur of the moment thing. I started planning the trip only one month in advance (a shoutout to Sam who helped me with the logistics and pre-trip training - an ever-calm solution provider who could even magically conjure up a portable wifi in no time when the hotel Wifi was down).
When I saw their web page and the reviews online (most of the reviews are on another forum page, see https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/ShowTopic-g293747-i9226-k6014473-Planning_a_trip_to_Tanzania_Everlasting_Tanzania_Travels-Tanzania.html), I just knew this is the outfitter I would want to choose. Some topmost decision criteria for me:
1. SAFETY FIRST. This can't be emphasized enough on the mountain. On the summit day, my guide Saidi and summit porter Batista (not all outfitters take summit porters, which turned out to be extremely important because most people simply weren't functioning in full capacity on that altitude) carried oxygen cylinder and all kinds of anti-dizziness/nausea/headache medicine. On our way back from the Uhuru Peak, there's a guy traveling with another company. He clearly suffered from high-altitude sickness, staggering down the slope. It was very dangerous because for a few times he tripped over and almost rolled down the hill. But his guide simply wasn't doing anything. So my guide stopped them, asked how the guy felt, gave him pills and made him breathe in some oxygen. After that, the guy came to himself and started talking and walking normally.
In fact this wasn't the only time our team offered support to others. Once there was a porter from another company came to my guide for medicines when he severely cut himself when setting up the tent. Apparently not all companies take care of their porters properly.
The Kilimanjaro National Park requires all guides to pass a first-aid course which is, however, usually conducted in a hasty way. So you would want to find a company that emphasizes internal first-aid knowledge training and medical support capabilities, and whose guides really know how to assess the situation when things happen.
2. Responsible Travel. Make sure that you trek with a partner company with KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project https://kiliporters.org/becoming-a-partner/) to promote ethical treatment of porters. It was a rigorous process. For each team, the organization would send a porter to serve as an "auditor", making sure that the porters are fairly paid, carry the proper weights and have enough food.
3. Choose a local company. Not only does this mean higher value for the same amount of money you pay, but also means the money you spend would stay in the Tanzanian economy and help the country grow.
Everlasting is owned by three local entrepreneurs who take a hands-on approach to the management of their company. They know the strengths of every porter and assign them the jobs perfectly (e.g. on my team, Mkana had the most reliable tent setup technique, Pascor provided the impeccable dining service, Clemence was the most careful one to manage the dishes).
Also, the partners kept a buddy-like relationship with the porters, which had a direct impact on the overall vibe of the team. You wouldn't see any other team in the camp singing and dancing before you depart every morning and after you return from a successful summit day. We trekked like a family and I felt close to every one.
Even more amazing was how they care for their community and try to give back. They partner with the NGO Mom2Mom Africa and sponsor a local orphanage.
4. Mt guide Saidi, the meritorious man. I was just so lucky to have this fabulous man as my guide. He treated me as his Dada and it was surprising how sensitive he was to my smallest habits and needs.
For the summit day, Saidi proposed an alternative schedule which not only helped me avoid the midnight traffic but also better preserved my energy. It allowed me to summit in a very good spirit and fully took in the mindblowing scenery of glaciers at the peak, instead of just rushing down because of fatigue.
Also, I learned a ton of the cultures and norms of Tanzania from Saidi - a never-ending source of wits and fun. During our conversations over meals which were full of laughs, I learned about everything from witch doctors to lion hunting, from African hip-hop to courtship and wedding practices in different tribes, from the religious practices to baptism experiences.
There's so much more to write about Everlasting. I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time I explore this amazing country with them.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely magic!!
Being a Tanzanian myself, I was super impressed by the quality and professional service received, the knowledge of the areas the tour guide, his friendliness and passion for the work he does... Keep up the great work guys!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best Safari Ever with Redwood Expeditions
Group of 6 people we had a wonderful 4 days safaris tour included Tarangire,Serengeti and Ngorongoro,our Tour guide Andrew was very dedicated,helpful and punctual,with him we saw a lot more animals than we expected,also the lodges was excellent and food was the best.
Thank you Redwood Expeditions,we really recommend to book with this trustable Tour Company.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari
We were a group of 4 from France and we did the 7 days Safari with Regional Tours and being a seasoned traveler I believe gave us one of the best services I have had from a tour operator.
The quotation from Regional Tours and Safaris was a little bit higher (USD 150) than the least quote but in the end I felt that it was worth the premium. We got a relatively new vehicle in excellent condition which is important as we saw a couple of tired looking vehicles including one that had broken down in the middle of Serengeti, we had great food and a very experienced guide Jackson who made our safari very fulfilling through his skills in spotting wildlife, knowledgeable discussions making him excellent company during the 7 days of travel.
We are really happy with Regional Tours and Safari and I do recommend them!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Kenya Safari tour
We went to Kenya for a family safari to see some of the famous African parks such as Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru.
We picked Shoor Safaris to book our safari and received very professional service at very affordable prices which we compared with other operators.
Our Driver Guide was quite pleasant as well and it helped in making this the best Kenya Safari more than our expectations while preparing for the trip
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari of a lifetime
I am really happy with the Kilimanjaro Wonders Expeditions Safari Africa team that helped organize our excellent itinerary and allocated Shaban to guide our seven days northern Tanzania safari. I believe that he made all the difference in making our Safari a success. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and full of interesting stories that kept us entertained all through. He knew all the nice viewing points and took us really close to the animals so that we got spectacular close-up shots of the animals in their natural habitat.
The safari vehicle was also very comfortable from the alterations made to have extra padding in the seats plus good suspensions for the offroad drives in the parks. We saw lots of game and very happy to have chosen Kilimanjaro Wonders Expeditions Safari Africa.
Book your safari with them and you will not be disappointed.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience with extremely professional staff
Our Safari with Home to Africa was extremely nice. Before embarking on our journey, communication with the company was seamless and Hedmond helped us in the organization of every detail and answered to all our questions. Even though the itineraries seem fixed, Home to Africa managed to accommodate every request. Upon arrival in Entebbe, we met our guide Karim, who was with us for the entire journey. His professional advice and wide knowledge on wildlife and other topics made our journey exceptional. The accommodations were all up to our expectations and even above, all of them had fantastic view on parks, provided good food and the personnel was always friendly and helpful. This was our first Safari experience and Home to Africa, and especially Karim, made an unforgettable experience that we aim to repeat very soon.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
great customized experience - reliable operator, kind staff and great value!
We had a wonderful time in Kruger National Park, thanks to Mmilo Tours, who helped to pick us up from another safari location and bring us to the Park - they have great accommodations, almost within walking distance to the Park, and great price. We really enjoyed their package and our compliments to Patrick Hanratty, the Managing Director, as well as our guide/driver - Willem Heckroodt. We travel quite a lot around the world, are pretty discerning about the quality and price of our travel experiences, and happily recommend this company to other travelers.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Last minute weekend tours
We were in J’Burg on business and had two weekends for Safari. Last minute booking so it needed to be very efficient. Cape Tours found us excellent residences with lovely rooms and good tours. Thank you!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best.
Communication was as good as it could be due to international barriers.
Service from day 1 to the last day was excellent.
The tour company exceeded my expectations.
Very professional and flexible.